Hair Today: How to Combat Static Cling

Look, we don’t mean to be negative ions about this but static electricity can go from funny to frustrating in a few seconds. We’ve come up with a few simple and quick ways to reduce the cling. Read on for our tips.

1. Got hat-head, where it messy and staticky? Use a dryer sheet (we recommend the unscented kind) to wipe over your hair to reduce the static instantly. (Just don’t over-comb after you’ve done it, you’ll generate the electricity all over again).

2. You can do something similar with your body: just quickly rub a dryer sheet over your sweater, skirt or pants, scarf and even gloves to reduce the that clinging feeling. Put a few dryer sheets in ziplock bags and stash them in your purse, glove box, desk drawer at work and even the bottom of your kiddos school bag.

3. Metal is your friend. If you don’t have dryer sheets, try running a hanger over your clothes. It grounds out the electrical charge. You can even try keeping a paper clip or safety pin in your pocket to reduce static cling throughout the day.

4. Run a humidifier or put on a big pot of water on the stove and simmer it enough to release the steam. (Bonus: throw some cinnamon sticks in there and you’ve got a great smelling house to boot). Be sure and check periodically to keep the water level up.

5. Make a static retardant for your carpet (you can even use this on sheets or jackets, too) by combining fabric softener with water in a spray bottle. The exact amount depends on how big of your bottle is, but usually a half of a tablespoon or two is more than enough. Just spritz on the carpet to combat the charge where it begins. Fresh!

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6. Static Guard it. If you don’t want to make your own (or even if you do) this tried and true product can be a godsend when your skirt will not stop sticking to your dress. You can use this spray on your clothes, carpet, hats, etc.

7. Hairspray can also reduce static so you can spray it sparingly in spots like where your tights meet your skirt or right on your head to cut down the crazies.

8. For the kiddos, we love this detangling conditioner that helps prevent static strays. Grown-ups can use it too, or a similar de-tangler or leave-in conditioner to combat the shocking effects static electricity can have on your up-do.

Got any static-reduction tips? Share them with us in the comments below!

—Amber Guetebier

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